Houston Christian University Catalog

Spanish (SPAN) Course Descriptions

  • SPAN 1314 Elementary Spanish I

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Restriction(s): Not open to students with more than two years of high school Spanish or with proficiency level above Novice.

    Focus is on achieving beginning proficiency in Spanish, developing the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. Students learn to use and understand the language necessary for expressing basic needs, wants, and courtesies. Vocabulary and structures for meeting immediate survival needs are practiced. Students begin to gain insights into Hispanic cultural values and patterns of daily life.

  • SPAN 1324 Elementary Spanish II

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314

    The focus of this course is on elementary proficiency in Spanish, continuing to develop the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. Students learn to use and understand the language necessary for expressing basic needs, wants, and courtesies. Vocabulary and structures for meeting immediate survival needs are practiced. Students begin to gain insights into Hispanic cultural values and patterns of daily life.

  • SPAN 2314 Intermediate Spanish I

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1324

    The focus of this course is on intermediate proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. Students ask and answer questions on everyday topics, initiate and respond to simple statements, and maintain basic conversations. Students learn to comprehend utterances in areas of immediate need and in situations where context aids understanding. Students gain insights into culture and civilization through interactive activities and through discussions and readings in the language.

  • SPAN 2324 Intermediate Spanish II

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2314

    The focus of this course is on advanced proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. Students ask and answer questions on everyday topics, initiate and respond to simple statements, and maintain basic conversations. Students learn to comprehend utterances in areas of immediate need and in situations where context aids understanding. Students gain insights into culture and civilization through interactive activities and through discussions and readings in the language.

  • SPAN 2381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SPAN 3305 Individualized Spanish Proficiency

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324
    Restriction(s): Not open to students with proficiency above Intermediate.

    Focus is on increasing proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes and on acquiring a more comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Students develop individual language proficiencies while using Spanish to complete a series of projects where they make connections with other subject areas and participate in Spanish speaking communities.

  • SPAN 3306 Individualized Spanish Proficiency

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324
    Restriction(s): Not open to students with proficiency above Intermediate.

    Focus is on increasing proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes and on acquiring a more comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Students develop individual language proficiencies while using Spanish to complete a series of projects where they make connections with other subject areas and participate in Spanish speaking communities.

  • SPAN 3307 Individualized Spanish Proficiency

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324
    Restriction(s): Not open to students with proficiency above Intermediate.

    Focus is on increasing proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes and on acquiring a more comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. Students develop individual language proficiencies while using Spanish to complete a series of projects where they make connections with other subject areas and participate in Spanish speaking communities.

  • SPAN 3308 Business Spanish

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324 and SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324 (or the equivalent–an intermediate knowledge of written and spoken Spanish)

    Students develop the communication skills needed to succeed in a business environment where Spanish is spoken by studying the various forms of business communications, including Spanish-language business publications, letters, memos, reports, and resumes. They practice the interpersonal skills of negotiating, persuading, defending, and hypothesizing. They study the effects of culture and experience on perception. They increase their knowledge about the countries where Spanish is spoken.

  • SPAN 3314 Advanced Grammar

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324 or the equivalent

    Focus is on increasing proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes and on increasing knowledge of the cultures of Spain and the Spanish speaking world. Topics which may be included are literature, the arts, history, and work and leisure activities. Students review the grammar of Spanish as needed to increase proficiency.

  • SPAN 3321 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SPAN 3324 Introduction to Hispanic Literature

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324 or the equivalent

    Focus is on increasing proficiency in Spanish using the skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and showing in the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes and on developing cultural knowledge. Students increase their expertise in the analysis and interpretation of the literature of Spain and the Spanish speaking world.

  • SPAN 3335 Spanish Writing Workshop

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course provides students with strategies to write fluently in Spanish. Techniques emphasize the steps of the writing process. Students use self-editing and peer collaboration to produce a portfolio of their work. (Offered also as EDBI 3335.)

  • SPAN 3336 Advanced Spanish Writing Workshop

    Prerequisite(s): EDBI 3335 or SPAN 3335.

    An introduction to the writing of personal history. Students write their personal histories through memories elicited by things they see, songs, dreams, overheard conversations, collections, books, quotes, as well as reflections. Their project will involve a compilation of entries with a focus on composing, revising, editing, and publishing a memoir book. (Offered also as EDBI 3336.)

  • SPAN 3345 Peninsular Literature

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Discussions, readings, and writing practices center on major historical periods and canonical authors from Spain, with a deep view toward preparation for the Spanish majors and minors. The course may include readings from classical texts such as Cervante’s Don Quixote and the selected poetry of Gustavo Adolfo Becker.

  • SPAN 3346 Latin-American Literature

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course centers on the deep analysis of masterpieces of the literature of Latin America. The course may include selected texts from Nobel Prize literature laureates Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mario Vargas Llosa and Pablo Neruda, among other authors. The learning activities will highlight the significance of the Latin-American literary movement and the ongoing influence of these authors.

  • SPAN 3347 The Art of Translation

    Prerequisite(s): None

    The art of Translation is centered on discussions of the history and theory of literary translation and other written text; provides the student with the specific vocabulary and cultural insight to effectively interpret the message intended in translating Spanish/English or English/Spanish. Emphasis is on the practice of translating and the acquisition of specialized knowledge in translation.

  • SPAN 3348 Medical Spanish I: Communication and Culture

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2324 or equivalent

    This course is designed to provide the student with the specific vocabulary, structure, and cultural awareness to effectively communicate with the growing Spanish-speaking patients in an international medical setting. The knowledge and skills developed in this course will benefit future health care majors and minors by preparing them to adequately convey, produce, evaluate and mediate oral and written health messages in Spanish.

  • SPAN 3350 Spanish for Health Care Professionals

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This online course is a focused Spanish language and culture course designed to enhance effective communication between patients and their healthcare professional as related to their daily activities. The course emphasizes vocabulary with a focus on the healthcare environment. The course will highlight building the patient-practitioner relationship, understanding patient’s symptoms, taking medical history, giving vital instructions, collecting medical information, etc. Oral proficiency is the primary goal of this course.

  • SPAN 3360 Spain in the Americas

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3314 or SPAN 3324

    This course presents historical and cultural information about the three dominant cultures in South America at the time of the first encounter with Spain-the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas-and the events and perspectives of that initial encounter between two worlds, as recorded by eyewitnesses. The course is taught in Spanish.

  • SPAN 3365 Don Quixote

    Prerequisite(s): None

    This course will cover the classic and first contemporary novel of the Spanish language, Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. The course will facilitate the literary analysis and close reading of Don Quixote, selected plays and exemplary novels written by Cervantes. The course will highlight the relevance of Don Quixote and the artistic and cultural impact that Don Quixote continues to have in modern times.

  • SPAN 3370 Hispanic Literature

    Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1313 and ENGL 1323
    Restriction(s): The course may be used to fulfill Smith College humanities/literature requirements but not to fulfill requirements for the Spanish/English major.

    The study of major periods and masterworks of Hispanic literature, read and discussed in English. Introduces literary/cultural figures of medieval and early modern Spain (El Cid, Don Quixote, Don Juan); and includes major 20th-century writers, as well as literary movements that were propagated from Latin America to the rest of the literary world (e.g., magical realism). (Offered also as ENGL 3370.)

  • SPAN 3372 Spanish Film Studies

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324 and SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324(or the equivalent–an intermediate knowledge of written and spoken Spanish)

    Students view important films in Spanish from one or more major periods of Spanish speaking countries, study the role of the movie directors and actors, consider how the multi-media aspects of film affects them as viewers, and study the films as a record of cultural values and cultural change. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized. Theme or topic may vary as determined by instructor and student interest.

  • SPAN 3374 Hispanic Popular Music

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Students study the text of lyrics to important Hispanic popular music. They analyze the structure and various levels of meaning and learn to recognize the literary complexity. Students are introduced to the music that accompanies the lyrics. Vocabulary acquisition is emphasized. Class discussions and all written work will be in Spanish. At the end of the semester the students will be able to comprehend and appreciate the Spanish language in lyrics and have knowledge of the major musical trends and cultural traditions in Latin-American countries.

  • SPAN 3376 Hispanic Women Writers

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Students study significant literature by women writers in the form of narrative and poetry and explore the issues facing contemporary women. Discussions, readings, and writing practice center on major historical periods and authors, with a view toward preparation for the Spanish majors. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized.

  • SPAN 3378 Hispanic Fantastic Literature

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324 and SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324 and SPAN 3314 and SPAN 3324 (or the equivalent)

    Discussions, readings and writing practices center on masterpieces of the narrative of fantastic literature from Spain and Latin America. Students explore the emergence of magical realism in Latin America and the use of fantastic and supernatural elements. They also study the history, politics and culture of Hispanic countries to analyze the use of the fantastic elements in the text and compare societal conflicts of the present with those expressed in the readings. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading and writing is emphasized.

  • SPAN 3380 Contemporary Drama

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 1314 and SPAN 1324 and SPAN 2314 and SPAN 2324 and SPAN 3314 and SPAN 3324 (or the equivalent)

    This course focuses on masterpieces of twentieth century dramatic texts from Spain and Latin American. The students dramatize the texts in class and interchange characters to do readings in a role-playing format. Deep literary analysis is an integral part of the course. Students learn to interpret the dramatic texts and understand the culture, history and politics of the time. The students compare societal conflicts embedded in the dramatic text with modern day troubles. The students will be exposed to audio and video of live theater performances. At the end of the class the students give a live theater performance of one of the plays.

  • SPAN 3381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SPAN 3394 Let’s Talk: Spanish Conversation, Language, and Culture through Film

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2324 or appropriate placement score.

    Using relevant feature films from Spain and Latin America, this course takes students through a cultural discovery path of the different linguistic variants in the Hispanic world. The course promotes the learning and refinement of oral language skills and the fostering of critical thinking through class discussion, interpretation of filmic text, and creative writing.

  • SPAN 3395 Spanish for Bilinguals I

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2324 or appropriate placement score. Credit for SPAN 2314, SPAN 2324 and three (3) upper-division hours may be applied toward a Spanish minor or major.

    This course is designed for Spanish-speaking bilingual students and other students who exhibit understanding of the Spanish language and want to expand their vocabulary, reading, and writing skills while developing a critical understanding of Latin American history and culture. The course capitalizes upon students’ existing language skills. Course components include orthography, vocabulary activities, grammar practices, cultural critical analysis, and in-class discussions of films.

  • SPAN 4305 Masterworks of Hispanic Literature and Culture

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Discussions, readings, and writing practices center on major historical periods and authors, with a view toward preparation for the Senior Seminars. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized. Theme or topic may vary as determined by instructor and student interest. Don Quixote or Latin American short story are examples of possible topics.

  • SPAN 4306 Masterworks of Hispanic Literature and Culture

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Discussions, readings, and writing practices center on major historical periods and authors, with a view toward preparation for the Senior Seminars. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized. Theme or topic may vary as determined by instructor and student interest. Don Quixote or Latin American short story are examples of possible topics.

  • SPAN 4307 Masterworks of Hispanic Literature and Culture

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Discussions, readings, and writing practices center on major historical periods and authors, with a view toward preparation for the Senior Seminars. Further development of language proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing is emphasized. Theme or topic may vary as determined by instructor and student interest. Don Quixote or Latin American short story are examples of possible topics.

  • SPAN 4313 Literature of the Siglo de Oro

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3324

    Intensive study of the masterpieces of the Golden Age, Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderon de la Barca, and Quevedo as principal authors.

  • SPAN 4324 Contemporary Spanish-American Literature

    Prerequisite(s): None

    A study of the selected works of the foremost contemporary Spanish-American writers.

  • SPAN 4343 Hispanic Cultural Perspectives

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Restrictions): Not open to students with language proficiency below Intermediate High.

    A study of the major cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries, with a special emphasis on literature, art, history, geography and cultural patterns. (Offered also as EDBI 4343.)

  • SPAN 4344 Hispanic Cultural Perspectives

    Prerequisite(s): None
    Restrictions): Not open to students with language proficiency below Intermediate High.

    A study of the major cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries, with a special emphasis on literature, art, history, geography and cultural patterns. (Offered also as EDBI 4344.)

  • SPAN 4381 Special Topics/Independent Study

    Prerequisite(s): None

    Topics are selected on basis of student need and academic qualifications of staff. If regular lectures are not given, a minimum of 30 hours of work for each hour credit must be included.

  • SPAN 4385 Work Internship in Spanish

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3314 or the equivalent

    Students use their oral and written proficiency in a supervised setting in (a) business or consulates, (b) health care, or (c) education or church work. To be eligible, students must be classified as a junior or senior, must be working towards a major in Spanish at Houston Christian University, and must have at least a 3.0 QPA in Spanish. Interested students must take an oral proficiency test with a member of the Spanish faculty and receive a score of Intermediate High or higher. Students must also submit an application to the Intern Selection Committee at least one quarter in advance of the scheduled internship. If accepted by the committee, the applicant must also be interviewed and accepted by the supervisor in the internship setting.

  • SPAN 4386 Work Internship in Spanish

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3314 or the equivalent

    Students use their oral and written proficiency in a supervised setting in (a) business or consulates, (b) health care, or (c) education or church work. To be eligible, students must be classified as a junior or senior, must be working towards a major in Spanish at Houston Christian University, and must have at least a 3.0 QPA in Spanish. Interested students must take an oral proficiency test with a member of the Spanish faculty and receive a score of Intermediate High or higher. Students must also submit an application to the Intern Selection Committee at least one quarter in advance of the scheduled internship. If accepted by the committee, the applicant must also be interviewed and accepted by the supervisor in the internship setting.

  • SPAN 4387 Work Internship in Spanish

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 3314 or the equivalent

    Students use their oral and written proficiency in a supervised setting in (a) business or consulates, (b) health care, or (c) education or church work. To be eligible, students must be classified as a junior or senior, must be working towards a major in Spanish at Houston Christian University, and must have at least a 3.0 QPA in Spanish. Interested students must take an oral proficiency test with a member of the Spanish faculty and receive a score of Intermediate High or higher. Students must also submit an application to the Intern Selection Committee at least one quarter in advance of the scheduled internship. If accepted by the committee, the applicant must also be interviewed and accepted by the supervisor in the internship setting.

  • SPAN 4395 Introduction to U.S. Hispanic Linguistics

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2324 or appropriate placement.

    This is an advanced language and culture course that aims to offer students an initial approach to the study of Spanish linguistics in the United States through an assortment of lenses. The course includes social and political factors surrounding the use of Spanish in society. Topics may include the history of Spanish in the U.S., phenomena that occur when Spanish and English speakers are in contact, and demographic overview of the varieties of Spanish spoken in the United States. The course may also cover how words are formed, how sentences are constructed, and how language is used in context.

  • SPAN 4396 Spanish Topics for the Professions

    Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2324 or appropriate placement.

    This is an advanced course emphasizing Spanish language skills needed in specific career fields or for general public use. Specific books and other materials are used to develop specific vocabulary, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed in professional settings.